WestJet reports record December load factor of 81.9 per cent

Airline achieves record fourth quarter and full-year load factors

CALGARY, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced December 2012
traffic results with a record load factor of 81.9 per cent. Revenue
passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.2 per cent year over
year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6.0
per cent over the same period. The airline flew 17.4 million guests in
all of 2012 which is a year-over-year increase of 8.6 per cent or
approximately 1,383,000 additional guests.

"We are very pleased to close out the year with six consecutive monthly
load factor records and record high loads in all four quarters. Our
positive momentum culminated in 2012 with a new single-day record of
flying more than 57,000 guests on December 21st," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Our forward bookings
continue to be strong and I want to thank our more than 9,000
WestJetters for their great efforts and caring attitudes, despite
challenging weather, that ensured another memorable holiday travel
season for our guests."

December 2012 traffic results

December 2012

December 2011

Change

Load factor

81.9%

80.9%

1.0 pts.

ASMs (billions)

2.006

1.893

6.0%

RPMs (billions)

1.642

1.532

7.2%

Fourth quarter
2012

Fourth quarter
2011

Change

Load factor

81.9%

78.7%

3.2 pts.

ASMs (billions)

5.487

5.329

3.0%

RPMs (billions)

4.493

4.194

7.1%

Full-year 2012

Full-year 2011

Change

Load factor

82.8%

79.7%

3.1 pts.

ASMs (billions)

22.064

21.186

4.1%

RPMs (billions)

18.263

16.891

8.1%

WestJet reached a major milestone in early December, when it took
delivery of its 100th Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. In 2013, WestJet will take
delivery of an additional five Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and
seven Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. "With the delivery of its first
two Q400s scheduled for June and the launch of its first schedule in
February, excitement is building as WestJet Encore gets closer to
providing more communities with access to our low fares and caring
guest experience," added Gregg Saretsky.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including
information regarding the demand environment, future aircraft
deliveries and the launch of and plans for the regional airline
contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of
which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements
are based on WestJet's existing strategy and currently available
implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to
factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand,
regulatory and competitive environment and general economic conditions.
These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most
recent Annual Information Form and in other documents WestJet files
from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are
available under WestJet's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from
the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update
any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service
to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered
low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer,
WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a
fleet of 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed
deliveries for an additional 35 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft
through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013,
WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international
airlines in the world.